If you think Florida’s permitless carry law allows you to freely carry and transport your firearm without a license, think again!
Possessing a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school zone, while possessing a valid concealed carry license, you are legal. Without one and possessing a firearm, you are breaking both state and federal law.
Monday, June 16, 2025, the Federal 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the long established federal school gun free zone law (18 U.S.C. § 922(q)(2)(A). RULING
The ruling leaves in effect one of the most expansive “sensitive places” restrictions for firearm possession in all of federal law. It deals a blow to Second Amendment advocates who have long felt that the law’s 1000-foot buffer zone around school property is overreaching a excessive.
A person possessing a firearm, within 1,000 feet of a school zone, public or private school, regardless if the school is in session or not, is committing both a state and federal felony.
Possession includes the transportation of a firearm in a private vehicle, traveling through a school zone. Again, regardless if it is a public or private school, it the school is in session or not.
Exception to the law: A person possessing a valid concealed carry license may legally possess or transport a firearm in a private vehicle, within a school zone, notwithstanding, in accordance state and local laws.
The possession of a valid concealed carry weapons license or recognized permit, issued another state, exempts the person from the law.
Learn more about this law and Florida’s other laws regarding the “permitless” carrying of a firearm in Florida. Florida’s “permitless” carry law is not as simple as many believe. In-Gauge of Polk County conducts State of Florida recognized concealed carry classes monthly in Winter Haven. CLICK HERE to see our class schedule and register.
There is definitely a difference between having Florida concealed carry weapons license and not.
